Anti-sink rim

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device which is used to free a vehicle that has become stuck in terrain or to reduce the risk of same, through the use of an additional tread which is disposed parallel to that of each wheel of the vehicle. The additional tread can take the form of an air chamber ( 2  or  10   a  and  10   b ) which may or may not be covered with a tire ( 11 ) or of a band comprising different coupling profiles ( 13, 14  or  15 ). Said tread is mounted to an anti-sink rim essentially comprising a conical profile ( 1.2 ) and a flange ( 1.1 ) which is centered in relation to, and applied against the outer side of the rim of the vehicle wheel using at least three bolts having special heads ( 6 ), which are inserted and coupled in respective openings in the flange and rim. The diameter of the system is smaller than that of the wheel in order to facilitate mounting and to reduce the risk of interference with the body of the vehicle. The conical shape of the rim profile ( 1.2 ) lends natural stiffness to the system and, when not in use, enables same to be easily stacked in order to minimize the storage space required.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device that is used to free a road or all tracks vehicle that has become stuck in terrain or to reduce the risk of the same. The terrain is made of sand, mud or snow or other soft material that would lead to the sinking of the wheel in the upper layer of soil together with a reduced traction. According to the terrain characteristics and slope of the track, it also helps reduce the difficulties associated with lack of traction of the vehicle on the track material.

BACKGROUND ART

In case a vehicle is stuck, it is known in the vehicle art that one can use special light boards (L×W=2×0.5 m) to function as support and anti skid devices and to be put under the vehicle wheels, use shovels to free the vehicle, or pull the vehicle with a winch and a cable attached to a fix point. To prevent the risk, one can use special tires or snow chains or reduce the tire pressure to increase its contact surface and grip.

Alternatively one can also pull or push the vehicle by means of another vehicle, animals or men. The main drawback of these remedial solutions is that they do not prevent from another problem further down on the track. Their effects are very limited in distance. Further more they require the availability of another vehicle, men or animals for pushing, and there are risks of injuries when pushing or pulling a vehicle, or the tow vehicle can also get stuck.

The preventive solutions such as reducing tire pressure or using special tires are restricted to less critical circumstances. In addition, special tires are optimized for a specific type of track and may not be best suited for the other sections of the road and it is not conceivable to change tires according to each new type of road encountered. It is not advisable to reduce too much the pressure of tubeless tires, and in case it is done, it is necessary to carry a pump to re inflate the tires. The boards are voluminous and their transportation can be envisaged only for specific travel with all track vehicles.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention overcomes these drawbacks. It consists of putting an additional tread beside the existing wheel tread.

According to a first characteristic, and for each wheel, it includes a light rim centered and fixed to the outer side of the wheel rim. This light rim comprises a support flange (1.1) that keeps in place the locking bolts and supports the system on the wheel's rim, a rim profile (1.2) that supports the tube and the outer rim reinforcement (1.3). The space between the rim profile (1.2) and the outside bead of the vehicle tire is filled with a thick inflated inner tube (2) that constitutes the additional tread. The outside diameter of this tube is smaller than the outside diameter of the tire that remains the main carrying element. This difference in outside diameter allows easy mounting of the outer anti-sink rim on the wheel as son as there is a risk of sinking the wheel in the sand. It also reduces the risks of contact of the anti-sink rims with the car body at front steered wheels level.

The structure of the thick inner tube made of a mix of rubber, fibers and fabric bandages gives a good side contact, a good grip and keeps the tread shape for pressures of around one to two bars. The tube is generally mounted when the anti-sink rim is connected to the wheel, however, for the tubes having their fiber reinforcement layers added only on their outside diameter, it is also possible to mount the tube after the anti sink rim is already has been connected.

In order to avoid damaging the tube, a protective tape (7) is fitted on the wheel rim edge (5.2). According to the shape of the wheel rim, the flange (1.1) will be drilled with holes, opposite the holes or hollow spaces generally found on the wheel rim so the locking bolts (6) can pass through. There will usually be 3, 4, or 5 bolts, corresponding to the number of holes or spaces in the wheel rim, or corresponding to a sub multiple of this number.

Certain models of commercial rims are designed with very long hollow spaces that don't allow a radial immobilization of the bolts, then, a counter bore machined in the flange of the anti-sink rim (1.1) and having the same diameter as the bolt's washer (6, 6.1) could be used to achieve a radial stop. Different types of bolts with hooking systems with one pin (6.2), a double pin (6.3), a split cylindrical socket (6.5) and expansion cone (6.4), or other ones are available to cover the majority of the models.

The central part of the flange is generally emptied for reasons of weight gain. It is possible to fold this central part (1.6) to contribute to the stiffening of the system.

According to the commercial rim's shape the main surface contact between the anti-sink rim and the wheel rim is done either at the level of the centering diameter (1.4 and 5.2) of the anti sink rim or at the level of a plane contact between the anti sink rim face (1.1) and wheel rim outside face (5.1). The location of the locking bolts in relation to the position of this contact governs the stress on the flange (1.1) and on it's central part (1.6).

In case the car wheel is equipped with a balance weight added on the outer diameter of the rim, it will be necessary to cut and remove from the anti-sink rim both the corresponding part that would otherwise interfere with this weight, and the equivalent mass located diametrically opposite. In that case, the anti-sink rims will be marked so that they will always be mounted on the same matching wheel. The inclined or conical shape of the rim profile induces a straightening of the structure and an easy piling up of the two, four or more rims for a minimum storage volume.

According to a second characteristic, the thick tube (2) is replaced by a regular tube (9) mounted in a light tire (8). On the outer side, the moped type tire will be centered on a support (1.5) on the rim profile (1.2) and will be free on the vehicle side. The tube (9) inside pressure will guarantee enough contact of the wires and beads of the light tire (8) to transmit the required torque without twisting. On the inside surface of the anti-sink rim, the shape of this support (1.5) is slightly conical so that it affects as little as possible the piling of rims for storage.

According to a third characteristic, the anti-sink rim is wider. Its profile (1.2) can be broken down into various segments (1.2 a and 1.2 b) in order to preserve a good ratio between width, stiffness and the possibility of piling rims in for storage. The tread will be composed of several rings or reinforced chambers (10 a and 10 b). These kinds of rings ensure enough bearing capacity on many types of ground, like dune sand.

According to a fourth characteristic, the anti-sink rim's centering is achieved through a cylindrical part (1.7) of the anti-sink rim flange fit into the hollow shape of the wheel rim (5.2 and 5.4)

According to a fifth characteristic, the anti-sink rim centering is done by the inside cylindrical part (1.8) of a groove machined (or other manufacturing process) in the flange, and which fits around the outside diameter of the wheel rim's edge. (5.2). This system is suited for commercial models of wheel rims that do not have a female hollow shapes on their rim's edge. The contact in the axial direction is either at the level of this centering, or at the level of a plane contact between the anti sink rim face (1.1) and wheel rim outside face (5.1)

According to a sixth characteristic, the anti-sink rim is wider and allows the mounting of a tire of more classic shape. The rim profile (1.2) is at a very small flare angle but still allows the piling of many rims for storage purposes. The outside support (1.3) of the anti-sink rim is transformed into an outside shoulder (1.9) that fits the new tire wire. On the wheel side, the other tire wire fitting shoulder is produced by the outside shape of a new flange (1.10) that is mounted as an extension of the anti-sink rim flange (1.1). This new flange is generally removable in order to allow an easy piling of anti-sink rims, and to facilitate the mounting of the tire (11) and of the inner tube (12). In case of a screwed connection a rotating stop pin (1.11) or another system will be necessary. Because of the risk of leakage at the level of the screwed connection the use of the tube (12) in the tire (11) is preferred. The whole anti-sink rim is completely pre-assembled before its connection onto the wheel.

According to a seventh characteristic, the inner tube and the tire are replaced by a solid rubber bandage with cup shape studs (13) encircling the anti-sink rim. This bandage, once inside, conforms to the shape between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel tire (4) and presents a succession of cup shaped hollow caps on its tread. This shape resembles a cut up slice of a golf ball. The bandage's hollows reduce the weight, and help, by trapping the sand, contribute to the bearing capacity of the vehicle on sand tracks. The paddle effect of this surface also increases the global wheel grip on the sand.

According to an eighth characteristic, the inner tube and the tire are replaced by a solid bandage made of compact rubber foam (14) encircling the anti-sink rim. This bandage conforms to the shape between the rim profile (1.2) and the tire wheel (4) and constitutes a puncture proof tread.

According to a ninth characteristic the inner tube and tire are replaced by a solid bandage made of light semi rigid compact material (15), with blades on its outside and encircling the anti-sink rim. This bandage conforms to the shape between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel tire (4) and provides a tread with blades for paddle effect. This system increases the grip that is already provided by the wheel tire (4) studs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Sheet N^(o) 1: Section of the anti-sink rim mounted on a wheel according to the 1st characteristic.

Fig. N^(o) 1: the anti-sink rim (all items 1.) is placed on the outside face of its flange (1.1) on the outside face of the wheel rim (5.2). The outside cylindrical part of the flange (1.4) is centered on the wheel rim edge (5.2). The locking bolts (6) tighten the flange on the face of the wheel rim (5.1). These bolts composed of the usual set of nut, washer and threaded stud (6.1) and of the attaching device or hook (6.2) are placed in the wheel rim holes. The rim flange (1.1) supports the conical profile (1.2) that has a reinforcement rim (1.3). The thick air chamber (2) is supported between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel's tire (4). It is protected from contact with the edge of the wheel rim (5.2) by a protective tape (7). The wheel tire is mounted on the wheel rim (5.4) and between the rim edges (5.2 and 5.3). The thick chamber (2) is inflated through a valve (3) that goes through a hole in the rim profile (1.2).

Sheet N^(o) 2: Section of the anti-sink rim mounted according to the 1st and 2nd characteristics.

Fig. N^(o) 2: anti-sink rim (all items 1.), outside cylindrical part of the flange (1.4) used for centering, locking bolts (6) composed of the set nut, washer, threaded stud (6.1) and the attaching device or hook (6.2), anti-sink rim flange (1.1) supporting the rim conical profile (1.2) completed by a reinforced rim (1.3), the centering support (1.5) for the tire (8) wire. The tube or thin air chamber (9) is supported between the conical profile (1.2) and the wheel tire, and covered by the light anti-sink rim tire (8). It is protected from contact with the edge of the wheel rim by the protective tape (7).

Sheet N^(o) 3: Section of anti-sink rim mounted on a wheel according to theist and 3rd arrangements.

Fig. N^(o) 3: the anti-sink rim (all items 1.) is placed on the outside face of its flange (1.1) on the outside face of the wheel rim (5.2). The outside cylindrical part of the flange (1.4) is centered on the wheel rim edge (5.2). The locking bolts (6) tighten the flange on the face of the wheel rim (5.1). The rim flange (1.1) supports the anti-sink rim conical profile (1.2 a) that is extended by another profile (1.2 b) itself completed by a support rim (1.3). The reinforced chambers (10 a and 10 b) are supported between the conical profiles (1.2 a and 1.2 b) and the wheel tire (4). The wheel tire (4) is mounted on the wheel rim (5.4), between the rim edges (5.2 and 5.3).

Sheet N^(o) 4: Section of anti-sink rim mounted on a wheel according to the 1st, 4th and 7th arrangements.

Fig. N^(o) 4: the anti-sink rim (all items 1.) is placed on the outside face of its flange (1.1) on the outside face of the wheel rim (5.2). The centering cylindrical part of the flange (1.7) is centered into the rim hollow shape (5.4). The central part (1.6) of the flange (1.1) is emptied and its border is folded to stiffen the flange. The locking bolts (6) tighten the flange on the face of the wheel rim (5.1). The rim flange (1.1) supports the conical profile (1.2) that has a reinforcement rim (1.3). The anti-sink rim's cellular bandage (13) is supported between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel tire (4). The wheel tire (4) is mounted on the wheel rim (5.4), between the wheel rim edges (5.2 and 5.3).

Sheet N^(o) 5: Section of the anti-sink rim mounted on a wheel according to the 1st, 5th, 8th and 9th arrangements.

Fig. N^(o) 5: the anti-sink rim (all items 1.) makes applies on the wheel rim outside edge (5.2) at the level of the inner face of the groove (1.8) machined on the outside face of its flange. (1.1). The inside cylindrical part of the flange groove (1.8) is centered on the outside edge of the rim (5.2). The locking bolts (6) tighten the flange on the wheel rim face (5.1). These bolts are composed of the set nut, washer, stud (6.1) and the attachment device or hook (6.2) placed in the wheel rim holes. The anti-sink rim flange (1.1) supports the conical profile (1.2) completed by the outer rim reinforcement (1.3). On the upper part of the diagram, item 14 represents the solid bandage made of compact rubber foam, supported between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel tire (4). On the lower part of the diagram, item 15 represents the solid bandage with blades on its surface, supported between the rim profile (1.2) and the wheel tire (4). The wheel tire (4) is mounted on the wheel rim (5.4), between the rim edges (5.2 and 5.3).

Sheet N^(o) 6: Section of the anti-sink rim mounted on a wheel according to the 1st and 6th arrangements.

Fig. N^(o) 6: The rim (all items 1.) is placed on the inside face of its flange (1.1) on the wheel rim outside edge (5.2). The cylindrical part of the flange (1.4) is centered on the rim edge (5.2). The locking bolts (6) tighten the flange on the wheel rim face (5.1). The rim flange (1.1) supports the anti-sink rim's conical profile (1.2) itself completed by the outside shoulder (1.9) that fits a tire wire (11). The wide air chamber (12) is supported between the rim profile (1.2) and the removable extension of the anti-sink rim flange (1.10). The removable connection between the flange (1.1) and its extension (1.10) is a screw system secured by a rotation stop pin (1.11). The tire is mounted on the wheel rim (5.4) and between the rim edges (5.2 and 5.3). The chamber (2) is inflated with a valve (3) that goes through a hole in the rim profile (1.2).

Sheet N^(o) 7: Examples of locking bolts used according to the wheel rim design and for all arrangements.

FIG. 7: the locking bolts (6) consist of the nut, washer, threaded stud (6.1) and an attachment hook with one pin (6.2).

Fig. N^(o) 8: the locking bolts (6) consist of the nut, washer, threaded stud (6.1) and an attachment hook with two pins (6.3).

Fig. N^(o) 9: the locking bolts (6) consist of the nut, washer, threaded stud (6.1), a cylindrical split socket (6.5) and an expansion cone (6.4)

PARTS LIST

-   1.1: anti-sink rim flange (FIG. 1, 3, 5, 6) -   1.2: conical rim profile of anti-sink rim (FIG. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6) -   1.2 a: first segment of anti-sink rim profile (FIG. 3). -   1.2 b: second segment of anti-sink rim profile. (FIG. 3). -   1.3: outer rim reinforcement of the anti-sink rim (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5). -   1.4: outside cylindrical part of the flange (FIG. 1, 2, 3, 6) -   1.5: tire wire support on the rim profile (FIG. 2). -   1.6: anti-sink rim central part reinforcement (FIG. 4). -   1.7: cylindrical centering part of anti-sink rim flange (FIG. 4). -   1.8: inside cylindrical groove of anti-sink rim flange (FIG. 5). -   1.9: outside shoulder for holding the tire wire (FIG. 6). -   1.10: extension removable flange for holding the tire wire (FIG. 6) -   1.11: extension removable flange rotation stop pin (FIG. 6). -   2: thick air chamber (FIG. 1). -   3: inflation valve (FIG. 1, 6) -   4: wheel tire (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6). -   5.1: wheel rim flange (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6); -   5.2 outside wheel rim edge (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6). -   5.3: inside wheel rim edge (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6). -   5.4: cylindrical part of wheel rim with groove (FIG. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6). -   6: locking bolts (FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); -   6.1: parts of locking bolts, nut, washer, threaded stud (FIG. 1, 7). -   6.2: locking bolts hooking system with one pin (FIG. 1.7). -   6.3: locking bolts hooking system with double pin (FIG. 7). -   6.4: expansion cone part of locking bolts hooking system (FIG. 7). -   6.5: cylindrical split socket part of locking bolts hooking system     (FIG. 7). -   7: air chamber protection tape (FIG. 1.2). -   8: anti-sink rim light tire (FIG. 2). -   9: anti-sink rim inner tube (or light air chamber) (FIG. 2). -   10 a: 1st ring or reinforced chamber (FIG. 3). -   10 b: 2nd ring or reinforced chamber (FIG. 3). -   11: anti-sink rim classic shape tire (FIG. 6) -   12: tube for anti-sink classic shape tire (FIG. 6). -   13: anti-sink rim solid rubber bandage (13) with cup shape studs     (FIG. 4). -   14: solid bandage made of compact rubber foam (FIG. 5). -   15: solid bandage with blades on its surface (FIG. 5).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The realization of different characteristic of the invention is carried out according to the information contained in each of the previous chapters.

Concerning a regular car, the characteristics of the 1st arrangement are standard. Supposing the car wheel rim has 16 holes, 4 bolts with a single pin (6, 6.1, and 6.2) will be used. The anti-sink rim will be made of a stamped steel sheet 2 mm thick, doubled at the flange (1.1) level by another sheet welded on it. The wheel rim surfaces (5.1 and 5.2) being on the same plane, there is no need of a central part reinforcement (1.6) on the anti-sink rim flange. The outer rim reinforcement (1.3) will consist of a simple fold of the steel sheet at the end of the rim profile (1.2). The protective tape (7) is a 2 mm thick and 20 mm wide rubber stripe with a circumference of 380 mm. The diameter of the anti-sink rim chamber's tread (2) is 550 mm for an inflation pressure of 1.5 bars, and for a 600 mm wheel tire diameter (4). The width of the system is about 100 mm.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The system allows a car to access spaces normally reserved for specialized vehicles. It also allows vehicles specialized for driving on rugged terrain to increase their efficiency when they encounter occasional obstacles. This allows people to engage in ecological leisure activities that normally require buying or renting costs, and also to increase their safety and independence on isolated tracks by having the means to react efficiently when the vehicle is stuck. This however is not an alibi to venture out on any kind of track without other safety means.

The vehicle can easily be used with its regular wheels on small sections of regular roads without the necessity of dismantling the system because the regular vehicle wheel alone will negotiate the road due to its bigger diameter as compared to the anti-sink rim diameter. The system is universal, giving access to sandy, muddy, snowy etc . . . tracks. It is however recommended to avoid rocky roads. The possibility of system elements interfering with car bodies can be decreased by adapting existing vehicles or specifically designing future models. In any case specific speed limitation must be followed. 

1) Anti-sink rim system designed to free a vehicle that has become stuck in terrain or to reduce the risk of the same, characterized in that: It provides an additional tread to be put on the vehicle wheel besides the existing wheel tread, this tread (2,8,10,11,13,14 or 15) having a diameter smaller than the one of the tire that remains the main carrying element of the vehicle, and being supported by the profile (1.2, 1.2 a, 1.2 b) of a light rim whose conical shape allows the piling of several such rims one on top of the other for a minimum storage volume, this rim being also composed of a rim flange (1.1) and an outer rim reinforcement (1.3), and being applied to and centered at the flange (1.1) level on the vehicle rim, this rim flange (1.1) being tightened on the wheel rim by a number of tightening bolts (6)that it positions, the number of bolts corresponding to the number or to a sub multiple of the number of holes or hollow spaces found on the vehicle rim for which the bolts are adapted and in which they lock, the smaller diameter of the anti-sink rim tread allowing easy mounting of the latter on the wheel rim as soon as the risk of getting stuck occurs with the tires sinking in the ground, and reducing the risk of interference of the system with the car body. 2) anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the additional tread is provided by a thick air chamber (2), protected by a protective tape (7) at the wheel rim edge (5.2) level and whose structure is a mix of rubber with fiber and fabric bandages that give good grip, side contact and keep the tread shape when inflated with air via the valve (3) that goes through a hole in the in the rim profile (1.2). 3) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the additional tread is provided by the set of a regular tube (9) mounted in a light tire (8) like a moped type of tire which is centered on one side on a rim support (1.5) realized on the rim profile (1.2) without invalidating the stacking capacity of the rims for storage, and mounted freely on the side of wheel tire bead, the inside pressure of the light air chamber (9) inflated via the valve (3) ensures a sufficient side contact of the light tire (8) wires and beads to transmit a torque without twisting of the light tire (8). 4) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the rim profile (1.2) while preserving its stiffness and its piling capacity is wider and broken down into various segments (1.2 a and 1.2 b) that fit several rings or reinforced chambers (10 a and 10 b) providing the additional tread. 5) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the anti-sink rim profile (1.2) is a broadened profile with a very small flare angle that allows the mounting of a wide air chamber (12) including an inflation valve (3) and of a wide anti-sink rim tire (11) with a classic car tire shape, its wires being fitted in the outside shoulders (1.9) replacing the end support (1.3), and on the wheel side, in the shoulder provided by the outside shape of the anti-sink rim extension flange (1.10) which is mounted an fixed on the flange (1.1) by a dismatlable connecting system in order to facilitate the stacking of the rims and the mounting of the wide tire (11) on the anti-sink rim before the mounting on the wheel of the whole assembled system. 6) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the additional tread is provided by a solid rubber bandage (13) encircling the anti-sink rim, showing on its outside surface a succession of hollow cup shape studs that reduce the weight, use the carrying capacity of track superficial sand and improve the global grip of the wheels. 7) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the additional tread is provided by a solid rubber bandage (1′) encircling the anti-sink rim and puncture proof. 8) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 characterized in that: the additional tread is provided by a light semi rigid compact material (15) encircling the anti-sink rim with blades for paddle effect on its outside. 9) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 to 8 characterized in that: the centering of the anti-sink rim on the wheel is done between the cylindrical centering part (1.4) of the anti-sink rim flange (1.1) and the wheel rim edge (5.2). 10) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 to 8 characterized in that: the centering of the anti-sink rim on the wheel is achieved through cylindrical part (1.7) of the anti-sink rim flange fit into the hollow shape of the wheel rim (5.2 and 5.4) 11) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 to 8 characterized in that: the centering of the anti-sink rim on the wheel is done between the inside cylindrical part of a groove (1.8) realized in the anti-sink rim flange (1.1) and the outside diameter of the wheel rim edge (5.2). 12) Anti-sink rim system according to claim N^(o) 1 to 11 characteristic in that: the anti-rim flange (1.1) is cut at the corresponding location where the balance weights are fixed on the wheel rim, the same cut being carried out for the part diametrically opposite on the flange. 